But it might give Pistons fans a chance to see what fellow rookie center Slava Kravtsov can do. Kravtsov has played sparingly since being signed as a free agent out of the Ukraine last summer and this might be the opportunity he needs to show what he can do.

In Saturday's 105-100 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, Kravtsov played barely four minutes, grabbing one rebound, turning the ball over twice and missing both free throws he attempted.

"The Pistons need to turn something positive out of this by finding out what they have in Kravtsov," wrote reader ConchRepublican.

Reader LoveTheNBA agrees that it's time to see what Kravtsov can do but for some strange reason thinks Drummond's return should be tied to his free-throw shooting. (Don't his defense and shot-blocking count for something, too?)

"It is a good time for the Slava Audition," wrote LoveTheNBA. "The team needs to know if he can be the backup 5 for next year. With Andre, even after the Doc gives him the green light, I would hold him out this year until he can make 20 straight free throws in practice. Rushing his contact may not be the best for his developing body. The injury record on young big men screams caution. We all want him protected."

Considering it will be mid-to-late March before Drummond returns – assuming he isn't out longer than expected – one reader thinks it might be wise just to call it a season and have him start fresh in training camp next fall.

"They should consider just shutting him down for the year," wrote jk281. "If he comes back in 6 weeks, there will only be 3 weeks left in the season by then. I don't see much reason to force him back just for some meaningless end of season games. I think they've already gotten above and beyond what they thought they would from him this year, in terms of his development.

"I think you know what you have in him. He's ready to start next year from day 1. So at this point, might as well just shut him down for the year and start rehabbing him as slowly and surely as possible with the goal of getting him ready for the season opener next year. In the meantime, the silver lining will be they get an extended look at Slava that they wouldn't have gotten."

Since it's unlikely the Pistons will make the playoffs – especially without their best defensive player now that Drummond is out – this is the perfect time to give Kravtsov a look, says his biggest MLive.com fan.

"lets face the facts the Pistons are not going to make the playoffs so without a question Viacheslav Kravtsov must be a member of the regular rotation," wrote reader UDM_Titan. "The man has size and skills, as I have said from day one, Kravtsov one day become a solid NBA player. Now is the time for Viacheslav."

One thing the Pistons have to do is be very careful with Drummon's return, says reader piro4lions.

"I hope that Slava does in fact play, turn a negative into a positive," piro4lions wrote. "I think Drummond will be fine as long as his injury is handled properly."

Finally, maybe now is the time for the Pistons to make another trade and get some immediate help just in case they do indeed have a shot at the playoffs.